“Trump’s COMMENTS Ignite SURGE of Canadian Pride”
— Canadians celebrated the 60th anniversary of their flag with a boost in patriotism, sparked by President Trump’s tariff threats and his suggestion that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state. Deborah Weismiller, a retired journalist from Edmonton, displayed her Canadian flag for the first time, feeling a new urge to show national pride. “Most Canadians are horrified at becoming a 51st state,” she said.
Many Canadians were shocked by Trump’s comments and his pressure on Ottawa about border security. In response, they displayed flags on vehicles and balconies as symbols of defiance and unity. Bill Hawke, an 83-year-old retired investment advisor, decided to fly his flag after several years to emphasize Canada’s importance and democratic values.
Bradley Miller, an associate professor at the University of British Columbia, noted that while Canadians typically display their flag during events like the Olympics, Trump’s actions have unexpectedly united them in patriotic expression. This surge in nationalism highlights Canada’s commitment to its sovereignty amid external pressures from its southern neighbor.